What is often called 'French' or 'Parisienne' style online is mainly a stylised fashion aesthetic: striped tops, blouses, jeans, skirts and calm accessories. It is not a uniform way in which French women actually dress. So use the term as inspiration, not as a rulebook.
What is French style actually?
The well-known Parisienne aesthetic is often about simple combinations with one recognisable detail, such as a stripe, lavallière, loafer or scarf. In reality, French fashion is just as diverse as anywhere else. The examples below are therefore style ideas, not a description of all women in Paris.
The five basics
- A striped top. The classic par excellence: navy and white.
- A white or cream blouse. With a lovely collar, preferably in a soft, matte fabric.
- Straight trousers or jeans. High waist, calm leg.
- A black skirt or trousers. For an evening out, without much effort.
- A knitted polo or cardigan. In black or cream, as a soft layer.
The stripe as a starting point
The navy striped Fiori is a slim-fit fine-knit T-shirt. With the light blue Adelaide, high-waist contour-fit jeans, a classic stripe-and-denim combination emerges. Rolling up the legs is optional and depends on the length you want.
The white blouse with character
The pearl cream Rosamund has a lavallière collar and regular-fit shape. Combine her with the black high-waist Arabelli. You can wear the neck ties loose or tied, depending on the look you want.
Black as an anchor
The black Rosa is a slim-fit midi skirt of 60 cm in size S. With the black slim-fit Josephine you get an all-black combination with a difference in texture. A scarf or light bag can add contrast.
How to build it in three steps
- Start with the basics. Choose five pieces in navy, white, cream and black that can all be combined with each other.
- Add one character piece. A blouse with a lavallière collar, a striped top or a black skirt that you wear often.
- Wear it in a new way each time. Change the order, roll up a sleeve, tie a little scarf around your bag. That is the core of French style: lots of variety with few pieces.
Jeans in French style
In French style, jeans are not a leisure piece but a basic. Choose a high-waist style that fits well and wear it with a blouse or striped shirt. Roll the legs up once and wear flat shoes. A dark or light blue wash works best, without distressed parts or excessive wear. The calm of lovely jeans with a simple top is exactly what the style is about, and it suits both a day in the city and an evening on a terrace.
What French style is not
- Not too perfect. A slight irregularity, such as a rolled-up leg or a half-buttoned blouse, belongs to it.
- Not bound to one colour rule. Neutral palettes are common in this aesthetic, but colour can be part of it just as well.
- Not logo-driven. Quality and cut matter more than visible brands.
- Choose accessories deliberately. One or several accessories can work as long as the outfit stays in balance for you.
Colours and fabrics
Navy, white, cream, black and light blue suit the classic Parisienne aesthetic well, but are not an official colour chart. Mix textures and colours in a way that suits your own wardrobe.
Accessories and shoes
A Parisienne wears few accessories, but chooses them carefully. Think of a thin necklace, a watch with a leather strap, a little scarf around your bag or in your hair and a simple leather bag. Shoes are flat and comfortable: ballet flats, loafers or small sneakers. Everything you wear must last you a whole day, from the metro to the terrace.
How to translate it to the Netherlands
For Dutch weather, an extra cardigan or jacket can be practical. Loafers, sneakers, ballet flats or other shoes can all work. If you cycle a lot, mainly choose trousers in which you have enough room to move.
A mini capsule in table form
| Moment | Combination |
|---|---|
| Day in the city | Striped T-shirt, jeans, flat shoes |
| Lunch with friends | Blouse in pearl cream, black trousers |
| Evening out | Black polo, black skirt, a little scarf |
| At the office | Blouse, pleated trousers, cardigan |
Also take a look at the collections blouses for Women, trousers for Women and all collections for Women for more basics that fit this style.
Shop the look
Fiori: fine-knit T-shirt, navy striped
Adelaide: high-waist jeans, light blue
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, pearl cream
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, black
Rosa: knee-length skirt, black
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, black
Frequently asked questions
What is typical of French style?
Few, well-chosen pieces in calm colours, with one deliberate choice such as a stripe or a collar. The look is effortless and never too perfect.
Which colours does a Parisienne wear?
Navy, white, cream, black and light blue are often associated with this aesthetic, but there is no fixed limit on colours.
Which shoes suit French style?
Flat shoes such as loafers, ballet flats or smart sneakers. It is about ease and looking polished.
Can you also wear French style to the office?
Yes. A blouse, pleated trousers and a cardigan form a calm, polished base that suits the style well.
